Having an artist manager helps in many ways. They help take care of the business part so that the artists can work on the creative part. They have plenty of connections to help you out and push you forward in the industry. You just have to make sure you are ready for one. They usually don’t come cheap and even rarer, come free. You want to make sure that you aren’t just starting out when looking for an artist manager. It won’t be worth spending the little money you have on a manager when there is nothing for them to work with. Make sure to have a few shows behind you and some songs recorded before hiring a manager. It’ll give them a chance to look at what you have and how they feel with you. You want to make sure there is a connection with them and sometimes music is the only connection to start off with. It’ll also help find the right kind of manager to get that will mesh with the music well. They will be able to help you more if they work in with others in your genre.
If you don’t have the money to afford a manager, you can always have a friend help out. You might have a friend who knows some things when it comes to the industry, or at least have enough enthusiasm to look up anything in the industry to help. If they believe in you and enjoy your music, they might be willing to do it for free. Not everyone will do it for free, but they might be cheaper than a well known manager. They will gain experience and you will be able to focus on your music.
If you have the money to hire a manager with connections, it would really help. Make sure to find the right artist manager for you. If you are looking for someone to help more with booking, look for a manager who has connections with venues and promoters. If you want someone to help more with finding labels, look for someone who has connections in that area. Some of these managers might work cheap if they really believe and enjoy your music. It’s not always easy to find, but they are out there.
Once you decide to get a manager, make sure you connect with them. It’s like hiring a new band member. They will most likely be spending a lot of time with you figuring things out, going on tours, recording, etc. Make sure they are someone that you can be honest and open with. The artist and manager need to be open with what they both want and how they can work to help each other. It should never be left to just one side to get things done. Both sides need to be realistic about what the other can do and everyone must be honest with what they can and cannot do at that time.
Looking for managers isn’t always easy. Try asking around at shows. The best ways to find managers is by asking the bands you perform with. Some might already have one and can give you a referral about a great manager or their manager might be able to refer one to you. Other artists will give you honest opinions on the people they work with. Having the artist introduce you to an artist manager will be a great way to start a conversation with a probable manager.
When trying to get the attention of an artist manager, you want to treat them the same way you would a label. Send them music samples, demos, information about yourself/band and music, and anything else you would send to a label. Once you send an email to an artist manager, give them time to respond. You want to give them a little follow up, but you don’t want to be too strong. Give them a week or two before sending a follow up, but make sure to be respectful and not too pushy. If you do get a response, make sure to be respectful, kind, and humanly no matter what the response is from them.
If you find an artist manager that you are willing to work with and who is willing to work with you, make sure to make up a contract. If it’s a friend that you decide to work with, you can all make up your own terms that you mutually agree upon. Talk things out and don’t get angry. If you guys can’t agree on a contract and things you agree with, don’t work together. If it’s with a known manager, they will have lawyers and have more terms that might be better to get legal advice for. Either way, make sure that everything is agreed upon before you sign anything.
An artist manager is great to have to help out. You want to make sure that you are established and know what you want before even looking for a manager. There are so many different types out there and you want to make sure you find the right one for you and your band. Not everyone is going to work for everyone.
